Lead Machine Learning and Bioinformatics Scientist

Natera•San Carlos, CA

4d•$144,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Natera is currently seeking a highly skilled and innovative Lead Machine Learning Scientist to contribute to cutting-edge research and development within our Bioinformatics Research and Development team, focused on Epigenomics in Oncology. Natera’s mission is to change the management of disease worldwide by using information gained from a simple blood draw to detect disease early and proactively inform treatment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in machine learning and statistical pattern recognition, as well as genomics and sequencing data analysis, with experience applying both classical and modern machine learning methods to large-scale biological data. This individual will play a critical role in developing, validating, and advancing state-of-the-art machine learning approaches for cancer detection and monitoring.

Requirements

PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Statistics, Bioinformatics, or a related quantitative field with a strong emphasis on cancer epi/genomics and 6+ years of experience post-PhD.
Deep expertise in the theory and practical development of core machine learning models, including generalized linear models, kernel methods, tree-based algorithms, and neural networks, with a focus on biological data (e.g., DNA/RNA sequencing data)
Proficiency in Python and its scientific computing stack (e.g., NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn)
Strong cross-functional communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines
High scientific rigor and a growth mindset, with enthusiasm for both teaching and learning new computational and biological concepts

Nice To Haves

Experience with ML frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX; familiarity with LLM-specific tools such as LangChain; and experience deploying models via platforms like Hugging Face
Hands-on experience with state-of-the-art deep learning models, large language models (LLMs), and multimodal foundation models

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and validate cutting-edge machine learning and statistical methods to solve problems in cancer diagnostics
Contribute to best practices in model interpretability, uncertainty estimation, and reproducibility
Design robust feature engineering and extraction pipelines tailored to biological data
Prototype and productionize models using scalable ML infrastructure tools such as MLflow, Airflow, and Docker
Collaborate closely with molecular biologists on experimental design, ensuring data integrity and quality control
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence
Actively participate in code and design reviews

Benefits

Annual performance incentive bonus
Long-term equity awards
Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
401(k) with company match
Generous paid time off and company holidays
Additional wellness and work-life benefits
Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents.
Additionally, Natera employees and their immediate families receive free testing in addition to fertility care benefits.
Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and much more.
We also offer a generous employee referral program!